Growing conditions:
Finally! 2012 had relatively normal conditions, minimal April frost, warm to hot days/cool nights in July and August then a mild Indian summer in late Sept/early Oct. Early indications are that the 2012 is the best vintage since 2007 and possibly the famous 1997 vintage.

Winemaking:
After hand harvesting, the grapes were crushed into a stainless steel fermentor then 24 hours later inoculated with D80 yeast. The must was pumped over 2 times daily for 14 days. After pressing and settling and completion of malo-lactic fermentation, the wines were aged for 17 months in French and Hungarian barrels prior to bottling.

Tasting notes:
Intriguing aromas of ripe blueberry and rose petal predominate with some spicy oak notes in the background. This wine has layers of supple round tannins and toasty oak followed by an extended, rich finish.

Cellaring:
While enjoyable now, this elegant Syrah will continue to improve with proper cellaring for another 3-6 years in the bottle with a plateau of best drinkability from 2016-2020.

Food selection:
This Syrah will enhance a large array of Mediterranean cuisine with a particular affinity for elegant flavor-forward courses. We feel spring lamb is an excellent match.